The New England Patriots welcomed back Dont’a Hightower on Friday, following news that the former legendary defensive player had been hired as the team’s new linebackers coach.
It was ultimately a feel-good moment for fans that have cheered Hightower ever since he was taken by the Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Since the news dropped, social media has been flooded with posts of Hightower’s best highlights combined with praise for the Patriots for turning a dream hire into a reality. Hightower now reunites with his former teammate, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, on a journey aimed at getting the team back on the winning track.
The defense performed at a high level in 2023, despite missing a multitude of players due to injuries. So it shouldn’t take Hightower long to get up to speed with a top-10 defensive unit with stellar talent at the linebacker position.
Here’s what people were saying about the hiring on Twitter:
So much talk of who won all the Patriots Super Bowls, whether it was Brady or Belichick, as if football was golf. Without Dont’a Hightower stopping Marshawn Lynch at the 1 yard line in one SB and strip sacking Matt Ryan in another, the Pats would not have won those two games.
— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) February 9, 2024
Very happy to see Dont'a Hightower added to this new-look Pats staff as their LB coach. Will never forget his game-saving tackle of Lynch in SB XLIX or his sack fumble in SB LI. A terrific Patriot.
— Brian Mayo (@brimayo) February 9, 2024
This is my favorite non-playoffs non-Super Bowl Dont'a Hightower play. On another note the in Hightower, Highsmith & Van Pelt (& Mayo as the top guy) the Patriots added a ton of A+ character people to their building that will help them in the long-run. pic.twitter.com/mCccmSFB6F
— Nik Athans (@NewEnglandNik) February 9, 2024
The New England #Patriots hire Dont'a Hightower as linebackers coach. I like it!
— W. M. (@Minuteman04) February 9, 2024
The #Patriots do not win three Superbowls without Dont’a Hightower. Made very big crucial plays that helped them win those games. Now, he gets to coach the teams young LB group and teach them what he knew. Groomed by two of the best coaches to ever coach the sport
— Bobby Thompson (@BThomps81) February 9, 2024
The Patriots new linebackers coach.
Dont’a Hightower.
LEGEND
— Savage (@SavageSports_) February 9, 2024
Oh let’s go.
Dont’a Hightower is returning to New England. He’ll be the #Patriots next linebackers coach, per his agency @_SportsTrust.
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 9, 2024
This is what Dont’a Hightower was doing as a rookie player.
Can’t wait to see what he does as a rookie coach. pic.twitter.com/neYs9RKr42
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) February 9, 2024
Dont'a Hightower returning as Jerod Mayo’s linebackers coach is so damn cool.pic.twitter.com/neOMtZbLbM
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) February 9, 2024
Dont'a Hightower will be the new Patriots linebackers coach.
Clutch Player. GREAT HIRE. pic.twitter.com/iRqHes1hZL
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) February 9, 2024
Your new Patriots LB coach is Dont’a Hightower per @_SportsTrust
LFG!! 🔥😤 pic.twitter.com/MotVndjTyO
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) February 9, 2024
I was waiting on that Dont’a Hightower hire notification congrats to him!!
— B•A•R•I 🔱 (@barichulo) February 9, 2024
Dont’a Hightower was so sick. This is going to be fun. pic.twitter.com/ike59bokXw
— Keagan Stiefel (@KeaganStiefel) February 9, 2024
Dont’a Hightower was a REAL football player man.
Did his job so damn well and knew how to mask his weaknesses
— Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels Pls (@June__NYC) February 9, 2024
Inane facts regarding new Patriots linebacker coach Dont’a Hightower pic.twitter.com/nye9GEaJFD
— Ryan (@ryanmulherin) February 9, 2024
Patriots have hired Dont'a Highower to be their new linebackers coach, per Hightower's agency.
Wow. Cool news. Hightower is a smart guy https://t.co/bL8oio5Nrb
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) February 9, 2024
Dont'a Hightower as LB coach?? Hell yeah!!
— John (@BussosaurusRex) February 9, 2024
This + the strip sack in the Atlanta game.
Is there a Dynasty pt. 2 without Dont’a Hightower?
— shospod22 (@shospod222) February 9, 2024
😈Hell Yea Coach!! LFG https://t.co/ma97FPGrTm
— JB (@NVBentley33) February 9, 2024
Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower reunited on the coaching staff!
LOVE IT!
Also, MORE linebackers coaching!!!!! https://t.co/8zAbwe12Pv
— Bernard Oliver (@boliver36) February 9, 2024
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 9, 2024
